Food Notice  
Issued under the Food Act 2014   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Requirements for 
Registered Food Importers 
and Imported Food for Sale  
 
  
[Document Date ] Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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TITLE  
Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food Importers and Imported Food for Sale .  
COMMENCEMENT  
This Food Notice  comes into force on  [3 months from date of issue ]. 
REVOCATION  
This Food Notice revokes and replaces the Food Notice  Requirements for Registered Importers and Imported 
Food for Sale , issued on 13 December 2022 .   
This Food Notice will revoke c lause s 7.2 and 7.3 on [18 months from date of issue ]. 
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This Food Notice is issued under  section 405 of the Food Act 2014  for the purpose of section 387  and to 
supplement the Food Regulations 20 15. 
Dated at Wellington , ______________  .  
 
[signed]  
 
Paul Dansted  
Director Food Regulation  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under delegated authority of the Director -General)  
 
 
Contact for further information : 
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)  
New Zealand Food Safety  
Food Regulation  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
 
Email: import.systems@mpi.govt.nz  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  Gener al requirements  5 
1.1 Definitions  5 
Part 2:  Registration as a food importer  7 
2.1 Application for registration as a food importer  7 
Part 3:  Duties of a registered food importer  8 
3.1 Application  8 
3.2 Assessment and confirmation of the safety and suitability of a food for import into New 
Zealand  8 
3.3 Transport  and storage of imported food  9 
3.4 Records that must be kept  10 
Part 4:  Categories of imported food  11 
4.1 High Regulatory Interest food  11 
Part 5:  Requirements for High Regulatory Interest food  12 
5.1 Application  12 
5.2 Import conditions and clearance requirements  12 
5.3 Documents required for clearance  12 
Part 6:  Requirements for imported bovine meat and bovine meat products, and food 
containing such products  14 
6.1 Application  14 
6.2 Import requirements  14 
6.3 Documents required for clearance  15 
Part 7:  Requirements for imported frozen berries  19 
7.1 Application  19 
7.2 Options for clearance of frozen berries  20 
7.3 Option A Import requirements  20 
7.4 Option B Import requirements  21 
Schedule 1: Clearance requirements for High Regulatory Interest food  24 
 
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Introduction  
This introduction is not part of this Food Notice  but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
The purpose of this Notice  is to: 
a) supplement regulations regarding  the duties of a registered importer under  Part 5 of the Food 
Regulations 2015 (the Regulations) ; 
b) specify which imported food s are High Regulatory Interest pursuant to regulation 128 of the 
Regu lations;  and 
c) specify the clearance requirements for imported food that require clearance for entry into New 
Zealand pursuant to regulation 131 of the Regulations.  
Background  
The purpose of the Food Act 2014 ( the Act ) is to ensure  the safety and suitability of food for sale, maintain 
and improve  confidence in New Zealand’s food safety regime and provide for risk -based measures that 
minimise and  manage food safety risks to public health.  
To provide regulatory oversight  over parties importing food into New Zealand and enable MPI to communicate 
with these parties, the Act provides that importers  of food  for sale must be registered and requires that the 
application be made in writing in the form or manner specified by notice.  
The d uties  of a registered food importer are detailed both in the Act and in Regulations.  Part 5 of the 
Regulations  requires all registered importers to assess the safety and suitability of food prior to importing the 
food into New Zealand.  The Act provides for regu lations to be supplemented by notice.  
The Regulations set out the following two categories of imported food:  
a) High Regulatory Interest food, which requires clearance for entry ; and 
b) Increased Regulatory Interest food, which may require  clearance for entry if specified  by notice.  
The Regulations provide for High Regulatory Interest and I ncreased Regulatory Interest food, and their 
clear ance requirements , to be specified by notice.   Food that is not specified in a notice as being in one o f the 
above categories do es not require clearance under the Act.  Categorising  imported food in this manner allows 
a targeted approach to managing  imported food based on food safety risk. 
Who should read this  Food Notice ? 
This Notice  should be read by : 
a) any person who wants to import food for sale into New Zeal and;  
b) any person involved in the importation , transport and storage of import ed food for sale ;  
c) laboratories approved for the testing of imported food ; and  
d) verifiers of registered food importers . 
Why is this important?  
Registered food importer s must comply with relevant requirements of this Notice and ensure that food 
imported in to New Zealand  is safe and suitable for human consumption . Operating in a way that is not in 
accordance with this N otice  may be an offence under section 233 of the Food Act 2014 . 
Failure to meet  the requirements of Parts 5, 6 and 7 of this Notice may result in:  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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a) a consignment of food not being granted clearance for entry into New Zealand;  
b) re-shipment  or destruction of the imported food  at the importer’s cost ; or  
c) suspension of  an importer’s registration . 
Document history  
Version Date  Section Changed  Change(s) Description  
13 December 2022  NA New notice  
[Document date ] Part 1  New definitions added  
Clause 4.1  Frozen berries added to the list of High Regulatory Interest 
food 
Parts 4 and 5  References to Increased Regulatory Interest food and 
Schedule 2 removed  
Clause 5.3.3  Clause relating to manufacturer’s declaration removed  
Part 7  New Part 7 added  
Schedule 2  Entire Schedule 2 removed  
 
Other information  
In addition to meeting import requirements under the Food Act 2014, a ll importers of food into New Zealand  
must also comply with import requirements under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and the Customs and Excise Act 
2018 . 
The list of laboratories approved for testing of imported food  can be found in the Food Notice:  Laboratories 
Approved for Testing Imported Food . 
Further information on importing food into New Zealand is available from MPI’s webpage on Importing Food . Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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Part 1:  General  requirements  
1.1 Definitions  
(1) In this Notice:  
accreditation body  means  an authoritative body that performs accreditation of certification bodies , 
and that is a signatory  to the International Accreditation Forum  (IAF) Mutilateral Recognition 
Arrangement .       
audit  means a systematic, independent  and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and 
evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the audit criteria are fulfilled .  
bovine , in relation to the human health risk associated with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy 
(BSE) , mean s a bovid of the species Bos taurus  and Bos indicus  (cattle) . 
canned (food) means commercially sterile food in hermetically sealed containers.   
certification body  means an organisation  that is accredited by an accredita tion body,  and that 
undertakes third -party audits and issues certification of conformity against specified requirements.   
certification programme  means an autonomous scheme comprising of the ownership of a standard 
that may utilise national/international requirements; a  governance structure for certification and 
conformity assessment that provides for periodic onsite audits of the operations of food business 
operators for conformity with the standard.  
commercially sterile  means the condition achieved by application of heat, sufficient, alone or in 
combination with other appropriate treatments, to render the food free from microorganisms capable of 
growing in the food at normal non -refrigerated conditions at which the food is likely to be held during 
distribution and storage.  
control measure  means any action or activity that can be used to prevent or eliminate a hazard or 
reduce it to an acceptable level.   
fresh meat  means meat that has not undergone any preserving process o ther than chilling or freezing , 
and includes meat that is vacuum -wrapped or wrapped in controlled atmosphere.  
food safety management system  means  a documented system that includes an organisation’s 
policies , objectives and processes to achieve food safety management objectives , and that is used to 
direct and control an organisation with regard s to food safety .   
Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)  means  a private international  organisation that benchmarks 
third-party certification programmes against  GFSI Benchmarking Requirements.  
GFSI -recognised certificate  means a third -party certificate issued to a food business that is certified 
to a GFSI -benchmarked  third-party certification programme.  
grower  means a person responsible for the management of the primary production of fresh fruits and 
vegetables . 
Good Hygiene Prac tices means fundamental measures and conditions applied at any step within the 
food chain to provide safe and suitable food.   
HACCP plan  means documentation or set of documents, prepared in accordance with the principles of 
HACCP ( Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point ) to ensure control of significant hazards in the food 
business .  
lot or batch means a quantity of a food produced essentially under the same conditions.  
manufacturer (of berr y products ) means a person or food business responsible for the management 
of the manufacturing of berries, which includes (but is not limited to) the cooking, freezing, drying, Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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preserving, mixing, blending, or juicing of fresh  berries ; the addition of other foods to berries ; and the 
mixing and packing  of manufactured  berries.  
meat means all  parts of an animal, excluding milk, that are intended for, or have been judged as safe 
and suitable for, human consumption.  
meat product s means product s resulting from the processing of fresh meat or from the processing of 
such processed products, so that the product no longer has the characteristics of fresh meat.  
MPI means the Ministry for Pr imary Industries which is the Ministry responsible for administering the 
Food Act 2014 . 
New Zealand Importer Assurance (NZIA) means  a written statement provided by MPI confirming a 
satisfactory check of a registered food importer’s business  in relation to the safety and suitability of 
food to which the NZIA applies.  
official certificate  means a certificate issued by, or under the control of the exporting country’s 
competent authority, includi ng by a certifying body recognis ed by the competen t authority to issue such 
certificates .  
paperless exchange of official certificates  means the act of competent authorities or certifying 
bodies providing, receiving and archiving the identified information and relevant attestations required 
by the importi ng country in electronic form.  
packer  means a person responsible for the management of post-harvest processing of fresh fruits and 
vegetables .  
post -harvest processing  means  the activities performed after harvesting of fruits and vegetables  
involving minimal product transformation, such as washing, sorting, grading, trimming, cooling , and 
packing .   
primary production  means the steps involved in the growing and harvesting of fresh fruits and 
vegetables , including soil preparation, planting, irrigation, the application of fertilisers and agricultural 
chemicals, field -packing, and transport to a packhouse.  
ready -to-eat (food)  means food that is ordinarily consumed in the same state as that in which it is 
sold. To avoid doubt, food is not ordin arily consumed in the same state as that in which it is sold if, 
before it is consumed, it requires further processing (such as cooking) to reduce any pathogenic 
microorganisms potentially present in the food to safe levels.  Frozen food that is only thawed , and is 
not cooked  before consumption , is ready -to-eat. 
registered food importer has the same meaning as “registered importer ” in the Food Act 2014.  
Regulations means the Food Regulations 2015.  
significant hazard  means a hazard identified by a hazard analysis, as reasonably likely to occur at an 
unacceptable level in the absence of control, and for which control is essential given the intended use 
of the food.   
tallow  means f at derived from rendering bovine meat and intended for human consumptio n. 
third -party certificate  means  a written assurance provided by a certification body, based on an audit, 
that food safety requirements and management systems and their implementation conform to 
requirements . 
(2) All terms used in this Notice and that are defi ned in the Food Act 2014 (the Act) or Food Regulations 
2015, but not defined in this Notice, have the same meaning as in that Act or Regulations.  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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Part 2:  Registration as a  food  importer  
2.1 Application for registration as a food importer   
(1) A person applying to be a registered food importer must request to be a food importer using  the Joint 
Border Management System.  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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Part 3:  Duties  of a registered food importer   
3.1 Application  
(1) This part applies to all registered importers  of food for sale , regardless of  the category of the food for 
import  into New Zealand and whether the food requires clearance for entry  or not.  
3.2 Assessment and confirmation of the safety  and suitability of a 
food  for import into  New Zealand  
(1) For the purpose  of Regulation 122 (a), an assessment of  the safety and suitability of a food for import  
into New Zealand , must take into consideration all of the following:   
a) the nature  of the food,  including : 
i) the composition  of the food;  
ii) any important  characteristic  of the food (for example,  pH, moisture  content  or water  
activity ) or processing  treatment  necessary  to ensure  control  of food safety  hazards  in the 
food; 
iii) the manner  and conditions  under  which  the food is produced , processed  and handled ;  
iv) the packaging  of the food; 
v) the label  information  on or attached  to the food; and 
vi) the shelf -life of the food and required  transport  and storage  conditions,  such  as 
refrigeration  or humidity  control ;  
b) the intended  use and consumer  of the food;  
c) the food safety  hazards  that could  potentially  occur  in the food and are necessary  to be 
controlled  prior to importation , considering : 
i) the conditions  that the food could  be exposed  to during  its subsequent  transport  and 
storage ; 
ii) any further  processing  the food will undergo  after importation ; and 
iii) the intended  use of the food;  
d) whether  the food fits within  a category  of imported  food that requires  clearance  for entry , as 
specified  in Part 4 of this Notice;  
e) the food safety  compliance  background  of the overseas  supplier  or manufacturer .  
(2) For the purpose  of making  an assessment  in accordance  with clause  3.2(1) , different  foods with similar 
product and process characteristics  may be grouped  together  provided:  
a) the different food s are produced by the same manufacturer or processor, and  
b) any variation s between the different foods, such as variations in ingredients  or packaging size, do 
not result in different food safety hazards potentially occurring  in the different  foods. 
(3) For the purpo se of making an assessment in accordance with clause 3.2(1), a ny information used in 
an assessment of a food for import into New Zealand must be all of the following : 
a) up-to-date;  
b) applicable  to the specific  food being  assessed ; and 
c) applicable  to the specific  batch  or lot of food being  imported , where  the nature  of the information  
is such  that its relevance  is limited  to a specific  batch  or lot of food (for example,  certificates  of 
analysis ). 
(4) For the purpose  of Regulation  122(b),  confirmation  of the safety  and suitability  of a food for import  into 
New Zealand,  as a result  of the assessment  of the food,  must  confirm  all of the following:   
a) that the food, when  sold in New Zealand,  will be able to meet  the:  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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i) relevant  standards  of the Australia  New Zealand  Food  Standards  Code ; and 
ii) relevant  New Zealand  domestic  food standards;   
b) if the  food fits within a category of imported food specified in Part 4, that the food will meet the 
relevant clearance requirements specified in  Parts 5 ,6 and 7  of this Notice; and 
c) that the food arriving in New Zealand is:  
i) accompanied by or bears information necessary for the identification and traceability of the 
food; and  
ii) transported and stored enroute to New Zealand under hygienic conditions an d in a manner 
that protects the product from contamination and deterioration, including the application of 
proper temperature control, where necessary.  
3.3 Transport and storage of imported food   
(1) For the purpose of Regulation 123, a registered importer must ensure that imported food is transport ed 
and stored in a manner that meets all of the following : 
a) protects the food from : 
i) chemical, microbiological  or physical  contamination from pests , waste, deteriorated or 
contaminated food , and other sources ; 
ii) exposure to adverse environmental conditions ; and 
iii) damage ; 
b) maintains the integrity of the packaging  of the food , including any label or identification marks on 
or attached to products ; and  
c) continuously maintains the food under appropriate environmental conditions, including where 
necessary,  temperature  and relative humidity  control , so as to prevent  microbiological growth and 
toxin formation  in the food , and minimise its deterioration.  
(2) The place where imported food is stored  must  meet all of the following : 
a) have adequate space for holding  the amount  of food to be stored ; 
b) be kept clean and in a tidy condition ;  
c) be kept in a good state of repair and condition ; 
d) have suitable facilities for controlling temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions , 
as appropriate  and when necessary to maintain the safety and suitability of the food ; and have 
suitable  equipment for monitoring the effectiveness of such controls ; 
e) have a dequate natural or artificial  lighting to enable proper handling of food and maintenance of 
hygienic  conditions ; and 
f) provide access to consignments requiring inspection  in way that:  
i) allows the entire consignment to be inspected ; and 
ii) does not compromise the  safety and suitability of the food .  
(3) A registered  food importer must ensure that the safety and suitability of imported food during storage is 
not compromised by : 
a) other activities that occur in the  place of storage  or its surrounding areas ; or 
b) by the actions or behaviour of staff and visitors who enter the place .  
(4) A registered food importer must ensure  that any imported food under the importer’s responsibility that 
is suspected or confirmed to be unsafe or unsuitable for human consumption is  clearly identified , 
isolated  from all other food and held secure during transport and storage so that they:  
a) are not mistakenly released for sale or distribution for human consumption ; or 
b) do not adversely affect  any other food. Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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3.4 Records that must be kept  
(5) For th e purpose of Regulations 124 and 126, r ecords  of information kept or provided by a registered  
food importer  must  meet all of the following :  
a) be legible ; 
b) be dated and signed by the person who made the record , or contain unique identifiers that 
provide for the identification and traceability of each record ; and 
c) be stored  in a location and in a manner that:  
i) prevents the loss , deterioration  or damage  of records ; and  
ii) enables  records  to be readily retrievable by the registered food importer.   
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Part 4:  Categories of imported food  
4.1 High Regulatory Interest food  
(1) The following foods imported from any country , other than Australia , are High Regulatory Interest food:  
a) all food listed in column A of Schedule 1  of this Notice ; and   
b) bovine meat and bovine meat products , and food containing such  products,  as specified  in 
clause 6.1 . 
c) frozen berries, as specified in clause 7.1 . 
(2) The following food s imported from Australia are High Regulatory Interest food:  
a) bivalve molluscan shellfish and products containing bivalve moll uscan shellfish, as listed in 
Schedule 1 of this Notice ; and  
b) bovine meat and bovine meat products, and food containing such  products , as specified in 
clause 6.1 .  
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Part 5:  Requirements  for High Regulatory Interest food  
5.1 Application  
(1) This part applies to  all High Regulatory Interest food specified in Column A of Schedule 1.  
(2) The r equirements set in this part  are in addition to the requirements of Part 3 of this Notice . 
5.2 Import conditions and c learance requirements  
(1) A registered food importer : 
a) may only import a food listed in column A of Schedule 1  of this Notice from a country or 
geographic region listed  in column B; and  
b) must ensure for each consignment of a food that one of  the following  clearance requirement s is 
met:  
i) a clearance requirement  listed in column C of Schedule 1  for the particular food from a 
specific country or geographic region ; or 
ii) evidence of a valid New Zealand Importer Assurance (NZ IA). 
(2) For the purpose of clause 5.2 (1)(b)(i ), where two or more clearance requirement options are indicated 
in column C of Schedule 1  for a particular food from a specific country or geographic region, at least 
one of the clearance requirement options must be met.  
(3) Where testing of a consignment of food is indicated  as a clearance requirement in column C  of 
Schedule 1 , and for the purpose of Regulation 134 : 
a) samples taken from a consignment of  the food must be  tested for the organism or substance 
listed in column D ; and  
b) the test results  must meet the acceptance criteria  specified in column D. 
5.3 Document s required for clearance  
5.3.1 All documents  
(1) Any document  or written evidence required for clearance , as indicated in column C of Schedule 1,  
must  be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible . 
5.3.2 Official certificate  
(1) Where an official certificate is required for clearance of a consignment of food, as indicated in column 
C of Schedule 1 , the official certificate provided must give assurance  that the safety of the food has 
been effectively managed . 
(2) An official certificate  must be provided : 
a) as an original signed paper certificate ; or  
b) in an electronic form using an electronic system for paperless exchange of official certificates  
agreed to between the exporting country’s Competent Authority and MPI . 
5.3.3 Documented evidence  (other than an official certificate)  
(1) Where documented evidence (other than an official cer tificate) is required for clearance of a 
consignment of food, as indicated in column C of Schedule 1, the registered food importer must ensure 
that any documented evidence provided includes  all of the following information : Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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a) product and consignment details  that allow the document or information provided to be matched 
to the particular consignment that it applies to;  
b) declaration or information that confirms that the consignment of food meets  the relevant 
requirement specified in Schedule 1;   
c) details about the identity of the person or entity responsible for providing the evidence , such as 
name and address ; and  
d) the date when the evidence is issued or provided.  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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Part 6:  Requirements for imported bovine meat and bovine 
meat products, and food containing such products  
6.1 Application  
(1) Part 6 applies to the following products imported from any country : 
a) bovine meat;  
b) bovine meat products; and  
c) food containing bovine meat and bovine meat products.  
(2) Part 6 do es not apply to t he following products  imported from any country :  
a) collagen ; 
b) gelatine ; 
c) tallow with a maximum level of insoluble impurities of 0.15% in weight , and derivatives made 
from this tallow ; 
d) skin and skin products ; 
e) dicalcium phosphate ; 
f) rennet derived from cattle ;  
g) food containing less than 5% bovine meat and /or bovine meat products ; 
h) bakery products that contain tallow  and do not contain any bovine meat or other  bovine meat 
product ; 
i) food, other than bovine meat products,  fried in tallow  (for example, potato chips and other 
snack s);  
j) the following food in which the only meat product is flavouring or extracts derived from bovine 
meat , or tallow :  
i) flavouring and seasoning preparations  (for example, flavouring sauces, stock powder, 
bouillon cubes, dry mixes of sauces and g ravies, hotpot soup base) ;  
ii) instant foods  (for example , instant noodles, instant rice, instant soup) ; and   
iii) salad dressings and dips ; and  
k) dietary supplements containing bovine meat products  (for example , dietary supplements 
containing bile extract powder or bone powder) . 
6.2 Import r equirement s 
(1) Bovine meat and bovine meat products, and food containing such products, must only be imported 
from: 
a) Australia ; or 
b) specified countries  and geographic regions  that have  an official certificate , agreed between the 
exporting country’s Competent Authority and MPI , for the export of specific bovine meat and 
bovine meat product s to New Zealand , and that are listed in Table 1  of this Notice . 
(2) A registered food importer must : 
a) import from a specific country or geographic region only those  products  that are listed in column 
B and meet the import conditions specified in column C of Table 1 ; and 
b) meet the corresponding clearance requirements specified in Column D of T able 1.  
(3) For the purpose of 6.2(1) (b), the official certifi cate must provide assurance  that the b ovine meat and 
bovine meat products, including where such products are a component of a food, have met all of the 
following:  
a) been derived from carcasses or othe r parts:  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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i) obtained from animals that have been subjected to ante-mortem inspection  and passed for 
slaughter,  and  
ii) that have been subjected to post -mortem inspection  and deemed fit for human 
consumption ; 
b) been processed in processing premises that operate under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) 
and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) based programmes, and that are 
approved by the exporting country’s Competent Authority;  
c) met bovine spongiform ence phalopathy (BSE)  measures :  
i) in accordance with Chapter 11.4 of the World Organisation for Animal  Health (WOAH) 
Terrestrial Animal Health Code , as appropriate  to the type of product for import into New 
Zealand and the exporting country’s BSE risk status  as determined by the WOAH ; or 
ii) that are  based on a risk assessment agreed between the exporting country’s Competent 
Authority and MPI; and  
d) met any country -specific import conditions  agreed between the exporting country’s Competent 
Authority and MPI . 
6.3 Documents r equired for clearance  
6.3.1 All documents  
(1) Any document  or written evidence required for clearance,  as indicated in column D of Table 1, must  be 
in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible . 
6.3.2 Official certificate  
(1) Where an officia l certificate is required for clearance of a consignment of food, as indicated in column 
D of Table 1, the official certificate must  be provided : 
a) as an original signed  paper certificate; or  
b) in an electronic form using an electronic system for paperless exchange of official certificates 
agreed to between the exporting country’s  Competent Authority and MPI . 
6.3.3 Documented evidence  (other than an official certificate)  
(1) Where documented evidence (other than an official certificate) is required for clearance of a 
consignment of food, as indicated in column D of Table 1, the registered food importer must ensure 
that any documented evidence  provided  includes  all of the follo wing information:  
a) product and consignment details  that allows the document or information provided to be matched 
to the particular consignment that it applies to;  
b) declaration or information that confirms that the consignment of food meets  the relevant 
requirement specified in Table 1 ;  
c) details about the identity of the person or entity responsible for providing the evidence , such as 
name and address ; and  
d) the date when the evidence is issued or provided.  
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Table 1 . Import conditions and clearance requirements  for bovine meat and bovine meat products  (including  food containing such products ) 
Column A:  
Country  or 
geographic region  
of export  Column B:  
Products  permitted  to be imported   Column C:  
Import conditions  Column D:  
Clearance requirement  
Australia  Any b ovine meat or bovine meat 
product processed or manufactured in 
Australia   None  Documented evidence  
confirming  that the product 
was manufactured in Australia   
Any b ovine meat and bovine meat 
product  imported into Australia , and 
then exported to New Zealand without 
any processing or manufacturing taking 
place in Australia  None  Documented  evidence  
confirming  the date the 
product  was given clearance  
for entry into Australia  by 
Australia’s quarantine agency   
Brazil  Any bovine meat and bovine meat 
product  Product must:  
(a) be derived from cattle born, reared and slaughtered in Brazil ; and  
(b) be processed or manufactured in Brazil . Official certificate  
Canada  Any b ovine meat and bovine meat 
product  Product must:  
(a) be derived from cattle born, reared and slaughtered in Canada or the 
United States ; and 
(b) be processed or manufactured in Canada  or the United States.  Official certificate  
Chinese Taipei  Canned bovine meat products only  
 Product must:  
(a) be made using only bovine meat that originates  from Australia, Canada, 
the Netherlands, Sweden, Japan, New Zealand  or the United States; and  
(b) be manufactured in Chinese Taipei.  Official certificate  
European Union  Any b ovine meat and bovine meat 
product  Product must:  
(a) comply with the relevant European Union s tandards and requirements 
which have been recognised as equivalent to the New Zealand standards 
and requirements as prescribed in the European Union/New Zealand 
Agreement on Sanitary Measures  Applicable to Trade in Live Animals and 
Animal Products ; and  
(b) be eligible for intra -community trade without restrictions; and  Official certificate  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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Column A:  
Country  or 
geographic region  
of export  Column B:  
Products  permitted  to be imported   Column C:  
Import conditions  Column D:  
Clearance requirement  
(c) comply with the special conditions for BSE set out in Chapter 28 of 
Section 5 of Annex V of the European Union/New Zealand Agreement on 
Sanitary Measures.  
Fiji Canned bov ine meat products  only Product must:  
(a) be made using only bovine meat that originates from New Zealand or 
Australia; and  
(b) be manufactured in Fiji in accordance with procedures agreed between 
the Competent Authority of Fiji and MPI that prevents the contaminat ion 
or substitution of the product with meat that does not  originate from New 
Zealand or Australia.   Official certificate  
Japan  Any b ovine meat and bovine meat 
product   Product must:  
(a) be derived from cattle born, reared  and slaughtered in Japan; and  
(b) be processed or manufactured in Japan.  Official certificate  
Switzerland   Any b ovine meat and bovine meat 
product  Product must:  
(a) comply  with the relevant Swiss standards and requirements that have 
been recognised as equivalent to the New Zealand standards and 
requirements as prescribed in the Switzerland /New Zealand Agreement 
on Sanitary Measures  Applicable to Trade in Live Animals and Animal 
Products ; and  
(b) compl y with the special conditions for BSE set out in Chapter 28 of 
Section 5 of Annex V of the Switzerland/New Zealand Agreem ent on 
Sanitary Measures .  Official certificate  
Thailand  Canned b ovine meat products  only Product must:  
(a) be made using only bovine meat that originates from New Zealand ; and  
(b) be manufactured in Thailand in accordance with procedures agreed 
between the Competent Authority of Thailand  and MPI that prevents the 
contamination or substitution of the product with meat that does not 
originate from New Zealand . Official certificate  
United Kingdom  Any b ovine meat and bovine meat 
product  Product must:  Official certificate  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  18 of 26 
Column A:  
Country  or 
geographic region  
of export  Column B:  
Products  permitted  to be imported   Column C:  
Import conditions  Column D:  
Clearance requirement  
(a) comply  with the relevant United Kingdom standards and requirements 
that have been recogni sed as equivalent to the New Zealand standards 
and requirements as prescribed in the United Kingdom/New Zealand 
Agreement on Sanitary Measures  Applicable to Trade in Live Animals 
and Animal Products ; and  
(b) be eligible for intra -community trade without restriction; and  
(c) comply with the special co nditions for BSE set out  in Chapter 28 of 
Section 5 of Annex V to Council Decision 97/132/EC .  
United States  Any b ovine meat and bovine meat 
product  Product must:  
(a) be derived from cattle slaughtered in the United States , Canada or other 
country that is permitted to export bovine meat  to New Zealand ; and  
(b) be processed  or manufactured in the U nited States  or Canada in federally 
registered and inspected establishments.  Official certificate  
Uruguay  Bovine casings only  Product must:  
(a) be derived from cattle born, reared and slaughtered in Uruguay; and  
(b) be processed or manufactured in Uruguay.  Official certificate  
Vanuatu  Any b ovine meat and bovine meat 
product   Product must:  
(a) be derived from cattle born, reared and slaughtered in Vanuatu ; and   
(b) be processed or manufactured in Vanuatu ; and  
(c) comply with specific conditions for BSE agreed between the Competent 
Authority of Vanuatu and MPI . Official certificate  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  19 of 26 
Part 7:  Requirements for imported frozen berries   
7.1 Application  
(1) Part 7 applies to frozen berr ies, including mixed frozen food containing frozen berries , imported from any country  
that: 
a) are ready -to-eat; and  
b) are any of the following types of berries:  
• blackberry  
• blueberry  
• boysenberry  
• cranberry  
• currants  (red, black, white)  
• goji berry  
• gooseberry  
• juneberry  
• logan berry  
• mulberry  
• raspberry  
• rose hip  
• strawberry  
 
(2) Ready -to-eat frozen berries described in subclause (1):  
a) include  : 
i) single -type frozen berries ( for example, 100% strawberry, 100% blueberry ); 
ii) a mixture of frozen berries ( for example, products that are 100% frozen berries and consist  of two or 
more types of  frozen berries) ; 
iii) a mixture of frozen fruit s containing frozen berr ies in any amount (for example, a mix of frozen 
tropical fruits and frozen berries) ; 
iv) a mixture of frozen food s containing frozen berries in any amount (for example, products consisting 
of a mixture of frozen fruits, frozen vegetables, frozen seeds, frozen berries) ; and  
b) which can be: 
i) whole or in pieces, crushed or pulped ; 
ii) free-flowing (e.g. as individual frozen whole berries, pieces or pellets not adhering to one another) or 
non-free-flowing (e.g. in blocks) ; or 
iii) with or without added sugars or coatings (e.g. chocolate -coated frozen berries ). 
 
(3) Part 7 does not apply to the following products:  
a) ready -to-eat frozen berries that have been subjected to a treatment sufficient to eliminate significant 
hazards , including norovirus and hepatitis A virus , and where evidence is made available to MPI of such 
treatment;  
b) ready -to-eat frozen processed food containing berries (for exampl e, ice cream, frozen yoghurt, frozen 
desserts).  
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7.2 Options for clearance of frozen berries  
(1) To meet clearance requirements, a registered importer may choose to comply with:  
a) the Option A import  requirements specified in clause 7.3, which may be used until  [18 months from date of 
issue ], or 
b) the Option B import  requirements specified in clause 7.4.  
 
Note: This clause will be revoked on [18 months from date  of issue ]. 
7.3 Option A Import  requirements  
(1) A registered food importer must ensure that one of the clearance requirement options listed in column B of Table 
2 is met for each consignment of frozen berries.   
(2) For Option 1 in column B of Table 2, the official certificate provided for each consignment of frozen berries must 
meet all of the following:  
a) give assurance that the safety of the food has been effectively managed;  
b) be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible;  
c) be provided;  
i) as an original signed paper certificate; or  
ii) in an electronic form using an electronic system for paperless exchange of official certificates agreed 
to between the exporting country’s Competent Authority and MPI.  
(3) For Option 3 in column B of Table 2, samples taken from a consignment of frozen berries mu st be tested for E. 
coli and the test results must meet the acceptance criteria specified in column C.  
 
 
Table 2: Option A Clearance requirements for frozen berries.  
 
Column A: 
Permitted country 
or geographic 
region of export  Column B: 
Clearance requirement  1 Column C: 
Testing requirement 1 
All countries  Option 1:  Official certificate  Not applicable  
Option 2:  Laboratory test result issued by 
an overseas laboratory accredited to 
ISO/IEC 17025 confirming that the 
consignment meets the following criteria:  
 
E. coli  
n = 5, c = 2, m = 10 MPN/g, M = 100 MPN/g  Not applicable  
Option 3:  Testing of consignment  E. coli  
n = 5, c = 2, m = 10 MPN/g, M = 100 MPN/g  
1 Where:  
n = the number of sample units     m = the acceptable microbiological limit  
c = the number of sample units allowed to exceed “ m”   M = the limit which must not be exceeded  
 
Note: This clause will be revoked on  [18 months from date of issue ]. Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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7.4 Option B Import requirements  
7.4.1 Requirements for sourcing of frozen berries  
(1) A registered importer must source frozen berries for import into New Zealand only from an overseas 
manufacturer of frozen berries that is able to provide written assurance:  
a) that confirms or indicates  that the man ufacturer:  
i) has a food safety management system in  place that meets the requirements specified in clause 
7.4.2 ; and  
ii) meets the requirements of that food safety management system ; and 
b) by means of one of the following:  
i) an official certificate that meets the requirements specified in clause 7.4. 3; 
ii) a GFSI -recognised certificate that meets the requirements specified in clause 7.4. 4. 
 
7.4.2 Contents of an o verseas manufacturer’s food safety management system  
(1) An overseas manufacturer’s food safety management system(s) m ust include all of the following:  
a) defined organisational structure , and management and operational roles and responsibilities;  
b) defined scope (products and activities), which covers the manufacture of frozen berries that are exported to 
New Zealand;   
c) a HACCP  plan, which  identifies and controls food safety hazards, including norovirus and hepatitis A virus ;  
d) control measures  for preventing  or reducing contamination of frozen berries , by microbiological, chemical 
and physical hazards , based on  Good Hygiene Practices that are consistent with the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1 -1969 ); 
e) procedures and specifications that ensure that products comply with food safety legislation applicable in the 
countries that products are exported to;  
f) procedures for the evaluation, approval  and continued monitoring of raw material suppliers , including 
suppliers  of fresh berries for use in the manufacture of frozen berries ; 
g) a requirement for fresh berries for use  in the manufac ture of frozen berries  to be  sourced only from growers 
and packers that : 
i) operate under a food safety management system that meet s the requirements specified in subclause  
(2); and  
ii) is audited at least annually by a certifying body or person with appropriate auditing competencies and 
experience , and can provide evidence of satisfactory audit outcomes confirming compliance to that 
food safety management system ;   
h) procedures for maintaining traceability of raw materials and end products;  
i) procedures f or withdrawal and recall of products, including prompt notification of customers  and relevant 
regulatory authorities ; 
j) procedures for training of personnel and the maintenance of competencies;  
k) procedures for document control and record keeping ;  
l) procedures  for: 
i) monitoring conformance to control measures , product specifications  and other requirements;  
ii) internal audits to verify conformance to  requirements and  the effectiveness  of the the food safety 
management system ,  
iii) corrective actions  for non -conformances ; and 
iv) control of non -conforming products to prevent potentially unsafe products from entering the food 
chain . 
(2) For the purpose of subclause ( 1)(g)(i), a grower’s  or packer’s  food safety management system must  include  all of 
the followin g: 
a) defined organisational structure, and management and operational roles and responsibilities;  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  22 of 26 
b) defined scope describing the products and relevant primary production and post -harvest processing 
activities covered by the food safety management system ;  
c) a HACCP -based food safety plan;  
d) control measures  for preventing  or reducing contamination of fresh berries , by microbiological, chemical 
and physical hazards , based on  Good Agricultural Practices and Good Hygiene Practices that are 
consistent with the Codex Alimentarius Commission Code  of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits and 
Vegetables  (CXC 53-2003 );  
e) procedures for maintaining traceability of raw materials and e nd products;  
f) procedures for withdrawal and recall of products, including prompt notification of customers and relevant 
regulatory authorities;  
g) procedures for training of personnel and the maintenance of competencies;  
h) procedures for document control and rec ord keeping ;  
i) procedures  for:  
i) monitoring conformance to control measures, product specifications and other requirements;   
ii) internal audits to verify conformance to requirements and the effectiveness of the the food safety 
management system ;  
iii) corrective act ions for non -conformances ; and  
iv) control of non -conforming products to prevent potentially unsafe products from entering the food 
chain .  
 
7.4.3 Requirements for official certificates  
(1) An official certificate  issued for a specific consignment of frozen berries must be based on  a country -specific 
certificate for the export of frozen berries to New Zealand that has been agreed between an exporting country’s 
Competent Authority and MPI.  
(2) An official certificate must be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible.  
  
7.4.4 Requirements for GFSI -recognised certificates  
(1) A GFSI -recognised certificate must contain all of the following:  
a) the name and address of the manufacturer’s business to whom the certificate applies;  
b) the certificate number;  
c) the name and version of the GFSI -recognised certification programme  against which the m anufacturer’s 
food safety management system has been audited;  
d) the certificate’s issue date and expiration date;  
e) details about the types of food and activities covered by the certificate, which  confirms or indicates that the 
manufacturing of frozen berries is within the scope of the manufacturer’s food safety management system;  
f) the identities of the accreditation body and the certifying body; and  
g) the name and position of the person issuing the GFSI -recognised certificate.  
(2) A GFSI -recognised certificate must be verifiable for authenticity and currency through a web -accessible database 
administered by the relevant accreditation body , or certification programme owner  responsible for developing and 
maintaining the specific GFSI -recognised certification programme . 
(3) A GFSI -recognised certificate must be accompanied by a manufacturer’s declaration  provided by  the 
manufacturer t o whom  the GFSI -recognised certificate applies, that meets all of the following :  
a) is issued on company letter -headed paper by a person authorised to act on behalf of the manufacturer;   
b) contain s all of the following information:  
i) the date of issue;  
ii) the name, job title, signature and contact details of the authorising person;  
iii) the name and address of the manufacturin g company;  
iv) the description of the product for export to New Zealand that the manufacturer’s declaration applies 
to, including the brand and product name(s);  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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Ministry for Primary Industries  Page  23 of 26 
c) provides  declaration  statements  confirming  that the manufacturer sources  fresh berries used in the  
manufacture of frozen berries that are exported to New Zealand  only from growers and packers that meet  
either one of the following : 
i) hold a GFSI -recognised certificate that covers the relevant primary production and post -harvest 
processing activities ;  
ii) meets the requirements specified in clause 7.4. 2(1)(g). 
(4) A GFSI -recognised  certificate and manufacturer’s declaration must be in English or have an English translation 
that is clear and legible.  
(5) Prior to the first use of each GFSI -recognised certifi cate and the accompanying manufacturer’s declaration for 
clearance  of a consignment of frozen berries , a registered importer must  meet all of the following :  
a) submit the following documents to MPI for checking : 
i) the GFSI -recognised certificate , which must meet subclause s (1) and ( 4); and  
ii) the manufacturer’s declaration , which must meet subclause s (3) and (4 ); 
b) have received notification from MPI confirming that:  
i) the checked GFSI -recognised certificate and the accompanying manufacturer’s declarat ion may be 
used by the registered importer to satisfy clearance requirement s for any consignment of frozen 
berries from the manufacturer to whom the certificate applies,  over the validity period of the 
certificate (i.e. prior to  its expiration date) ; and   
ii) a copy of the checked GFSI -recognised certificate and the accompanying manufacturer’s declaration  
will be held by MPI for the purpose of clearance of consignments of frozen berries imported by the 
registered importer, as specified in clause 7.4.5 (2).  
(6) A registered importer must inform MPI as soon as practicable after they have been made aware of any event or 
circumstance that affects the validity of a GFSI -recognised certificate ( for example,  the GFSI -recognised 
certification is suspended or withdrawn)  or the accompanying manufacturer’s declaration . 
 
7.4.5 Documents required for clearance  
(1) Where an official certificate is used to satisfy clearance requirements, a registered importer must ensure that an 
each consignment of frozen berries imported int o New Zealand  is accompanied by an official certificate that is 
provided :   
a) as an original signed paper certificate; or  
b) in an electronic form using an electronic system for paperless exchange of official certificates agreed to 
between the exporting countr y’s Competent Authority and MPI.  
(2) Where a GFSI -recognised certificate , is used to satisfy clearance requirements, a registered importer must 
ensure that each consignment of frozen berries imported into New Zealand is accompanied by documented 
evidence (for example, a commercial invoice or manufacturer’s declaration) that provides all of the following 
information:  
a) product and consignment details that allow the document or information provided to be matched to the 
particular consignment that it applies  to; 
b) the name and address of the overseas manufacturer of the consignment of frozen berries , which must 
correspond  to a GFSI -recognised certificate and the accompanying  manufacturer’s declaration  that have 
been checked  by MPI ;  
c) the date of export of the consignment, which must be  within the validity period  of the correspondin g GFSI -
recognised certificate;  
d) the name and address of the person or entity responsible for providing the documented evidence;  
e) the date when the documented evidence is issued or provided.  
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Schedule 1: Clearance r equirements for High Regulatory Interest  food  
Column A : 
HRI food  Column B:  
Permitted country or geographic 
region of export  Column C:  
Clearance requirement  Column D:  
Testing requirement  1 
Dairy:  
Raw milk products  • European Union  
• United Kingdom  
• Switzerland  Official certificate  Not applicable  
Dairy:  
Fresh cheese, curd cheese and soft 
cheese (pasteurised)  • European Union  
• United Kingdom  
• Norway  
 Option 1: Official certificate  Not applicable  
 
Option 2: Testing of consignment  Listeria monocytogenes  
n = 5, c = 0, m = not detected in 25 g  All other countries  Testing of consignment  
Fish:  
Histamine susceptible fish and fish 
products   • Canada  
• European Union  
• United Kingdom  
• Norway  
• Thailand  Option 1: Official certificate  Not applicable  
Option 2: Testing of consignment  
Histamine ≤ 200 mg/kg  
All other countries  Testing of consignment  
Fish:  
Puffer fish  Korea (Republic of)  Official certificate  Not applicable  
Fish:  
Chilled ready -to-eat smoked fish 
and smoke flavoured fish   • Canada  
• European Union  
• United Kingdom  
• Thailand  Option 1: Official certificate  Not applicable  
Option 2: Testing of consignment  Salt (NaCl) content  
> 3.4% (aqueous phase basis)  
Aerobic plate count  
n = 5, c = 2, m = 50,000 cfu/g, M = 500,000 cfu/g  
Listeria monocytogenes  
n = 5, c = 0, m = not detected in 25 g  All other countries  Testing of consignment  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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Column A : 
HRI food  Column B:  
Permitted country or geographic 
region of export  Column C:  
Clearance requirement  Column D:  
Testing requirement  1 
Meat:  
Fermented meat products, meat 
paste and pâté  • European Union  
• United Kingdom  Option 1: Official certificate  Not applicable  
Option 2: Testing of consignment  Listeria monocytogenes  
n = 5, c = 0, m = not detected in 25 g  
Salmonella  
n = 5, c = 0, m = not detected in 25 g  
Coagulase positive Staphylococci  
n = 5, c = 2, m = 100 cfu/g , M = 1000 cfu/g  All other countries  Testing of consignment  
Nuts and seeds:  
Peanuts and pistachio nuts, and 
food that contain s such products 
(including peanut butter)  • China  
• United States  Option 1: Official certificate  Not applicable  
Option 2: Testing of consignment  Total aflatoxin (sum of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2)  
≤ 0.015 mg/kg  All other countries  Testing of consignment  
Nuts and seeds:  
Tahini and other crushed sesame 
seed products, and food that 
contains  such products  All countries  Testing of consignment  Salmonella  
n = 5, c = 0, m = not detected in 25 g  
Seafood : 
Ready -to-eat crustaceans , 
including shrimps, prawns,  
lobsters, crabs  and Moreton Bay 
bugs, and food that contains such 
products  • Malaysia  
• Thailand  
• European Union  
• United Kingdom  Option 1: Official certificate  Not applicable  
Option 2: Testing of consignment  Listeria monocytogenes  
n = 5, c = 0, m = not detected in 25 g  
Salmonella  
n = 5, c = 0, m = not detected in 25 g  All other countries  Testing of consignment  Food Notice : Requirements for Registered Food I mporters and Imported Food for Sale   
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Column A : 
HRI food  Column B:  
Permitted country or geographic 
region of export  Column C:  
Clearance requirement  Column D:  
Testing requirement  1 
Seafood : 
Bivalve molluscan shellfish (BMS) 
(except scallops that are adductor 
muscle only) , and food  that 
contains  BMS  • Australia  
• Canada  
• Chile  
• European Union  
• United Kingdom  
• Japan  
• Korea (Republic of)  
• Peru  
• Thailand  
• Viet Nam  Option 1: Official certificate  Not applicable  
Option 2: Testing of consignment  All BMS  
E. coli  
n = 5, c = 1, m = 230 MPN/100g, M = 700 MPN/100g  
All BMS  
Marine biotoxins  
• Saxitoxin dihydrochloride equivalent ≤ 0.8 mg/kg  
• Okadaic acid equivalent ≤ 0.16 mg/kg  
• Domoic Acid ≤ 20 mg/kg  
• Brevetoxin -2 equivalent ≤ 0.8 mg/kg  
• Azaspiracid  equivalent ≤ 0.16 mg/kg  
Ready -to-eat BMS only  
Listeria monocytogenes  
n = 5, c = 0, m = not detected in 25 g  
Oysters only  
Norovirus not detected in 300 g  China  Testing of consignment  
United States  Documented evidence confirming that 
the consignment does not contain BMS 
from the Gulf States of the United States  Not applicable  
Seafood : 
Scallops (whole adductor muscle 
only)  All countries  Documented evidence confirming that 
the scallops consist of whole adductor 
muscle only, with the viscera and roe 
completely removed  Not applicable  
Spices:  
Pepper, chilli and paprika  All countries  Testing of consignment  Salmonella  
n = 5, c = 0, m = not detected in 25 g  
 
1 Where:  
n = the number of sample units     m = the acceptable microbiological limit  
c = the number of sample units allowed to exceed  “m”   M = the limit which must not be exceeded